“Politics of Black Hair” exhibition

June 10, 2016

by Sabina Elago

Windhoek

Hildegard Titus “Politics of Black Hair” first solo exhibition now running at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Restaurant La Bonne Table is an informative photographic exhibition not to be missed.

The exhibition presents the intricacies of hair, from dreadlocks to weaves, which are more than a fashion statement, and a declaration of identities and cultures. Titus also focuses on issues of gender, representation and cultural issues. The photos are being exhibited as an essay telling a story providing insight into the hair culture instead of typical photo shoots or photo pieces.

“My exhibition is about the politics of black hair, an exploration into the diversity of black hair culture in Namibia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the African Diaspora,” says Titus adding that her exhibition project is inviting a dialogue about the notions of ‘good hair’ and ‘bad hair’, and where this narrative came from and how the community can tackle homogenous beauty standards and ideals that leave little space for all types of black beauty.

Historically, different hairstyles allowed people to be identified from their cultural groups, their age an even their marital status, but with modernity those lines became blurred. “A lot of our hair industry is just understood as ‘ always being that way’ but like everything it has a route and a cause,” says Titus. The exhibition runs until June 30.